October, 2024

We want to inform and connect with the entire Job Path community

 so we are all on this path together.

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Longtime JP employee featured in video project

We were thrilled to see the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities kick off this important month by releasing this incredibly impactful video featuring Todd, a Job Path participant. Todd has worked in the mailroom of the Midtown law firm Paul Weiss for 18 years. Like the video says, don’t miss the bus when it comes to hiring a great employee!

(Shout out to Employment Counselor Taijii Dudley for her work on this project and supporting Todd!)

JP Art Facilitator recognized statewide

We’re so proud that Job Path Art Facilitator Michele Borg was recently honored by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation with their Annual DSP Award for the NYC region.

Speaking during a virtual conference on Sept. 11, she said: “I’m really truly honored. When you work as a DSP, empathy is everything, listening skills are everything, and being in tune to what the person wants is crucial."

"It’s your job to build up people’s confidence, to build up their strength so they can accomplish what they want – their dreams. Nothing is impossible and that’s what I tell them every day.”

The art groups have covered topics such as Chinese Ink drawing, collage, and Dutch art. Borg was chosen out of more than 120 submissions, and nominated by Community Connections Coordinator David Chen. He wrote about how she is passionate about her work and how he’s seen artists blossom in her class: “She continues to make great contributions to the company and to enrich the lives of the participants.” 

Art in Focus: Anthony N.

Anthony N. is an active part of Art Group, whether he's participating in person or remotely. He always has a sketch book with him and loves showing off his work.

Anthony and DSP Raven Lopez, who is helping him experiment with mediums other than what he usually uses - colored pencils.

Says Anthony:  “Sometimes when I can’t express myself, I draw it.” 

In honor of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this month’s staff feature focuses on someone from our Employment Team. Employment Specialists connect with businesses to introduce them to Job Path’s method, help cultivate a customized job for participants, and support them at work. This month, we feature Employment Specialist Patrice Wongsam.

Can it be discouraging sometimes? How do you keep yourself motivated? It can be discouraging at times but as job developers we have the opportunity to offer intensive support once we've successfully placed a Job Path participant in their new role, so we've had the opportunity to see the full circle from beginning to end. Having that first hand experience supporting someone from being a job seeker to being employed keeps me believing we can continue to do it over and over again.

Did you ever have an experience where you learned something really valuable from someone who told you no, or had a negative experience from?

I've learned that many businesses are aligned with our mission and values, they just don't have the ability to cater to our needs, and that's okay. I really appreciate the businesses that have been transparent about the importance of the work we are doing here while being honest about their limitations with regards to hiring people who need customized jobs. I've also learned sometimes "no" can actually mean "not right now." Sometimes it's about timing.

What 3 words describe someone who’s a good job developer? Creative, Outgoing, Objective.

What skills do you need to be a job developer? I don't believe you need any specific skills going into job development, I think as with many jobs you need to be flexible, be teachable, and be a team player.

Every time I look at our list of our employer partners I’m so impressed, inspired, and encouraged. While the month of October may be National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it’s on our minds every day of the year. 

More than 100 businesses and organizations currently employ or have worked with a Job Path participant. They range from the largest companies on the planet to the smallest mom-and-pop shops in the city. 

That tells me that people with autism and other developmental disabilities have something to contribute in every and any workplace you can imagine. Congratulations to our employer partners, our employment staff, and our participants who go to work every day to make the world a better place! 

Consortium Director helps raise awareness in global campaign

CCE Director Karen Waltuck was part of the

#UnlockTheEveryday campaign in Times Square to raise awareness about the one billion people worldwide who need assisted devices and technology to lead independent lives.

She says: "In my work supporting jobseekers I’ve seen firsthand how assisted devices can make a difference for people with disabilities in finding and succeeding in employment. It truly makes the world accessible for all. "

In case you missed it ...

Community Connections DSP Nichelle Hemphill was featured in the statewide #MoreThanWork campaign!

Asked "Why do you love what you do?" she says:

I enjoy their personalities; everyone is so different and letting their true selves shine is so neat. Getting them out of their comfort zone is something I enjoy. They are all able to accomplish things they never would have imagined. Now that is cool.

Every week, we're sharing more stories like these

on our social media platforms.

Please follow, like, and share!

To vote in the November election, you must be registered by Oct. 26. To register or check your registration, click here. For information on deadlines click here.

As part of our efforts to highlight and celebrate the great diversity within our Job Path community, we will be featuring racial, ethnic, cultural, and identity pride commemorations here each month.

October

This month includes a commemoration for Down Syndrome Awareness, World Mental Health Day on October 10, and heritage months for German, Filipino, and Italian-Americans.

Staff Anniversaries

Special recognition to staff who celebrated their anniversary at Job Path in September. Thank you for all of the contributions that you have made over the years in making Job Path successful.

Rathida Oum - 15 years

Sandra Preti - 14 years

Xanier Laureano - 5 years

Susan Ladrick - 5 years

Marta Haberlin - 5 years

Thaddeus Malcolm - 2 years

Jennifer Hughes - 2 years

Job Path supports people with autism and other developmental disabilities as they find jobs, live in their own homes, and become involved in community life. To learn more, visit our website.